DEBYA KARKI

Postgraduate in Peace and Conflict Studies and Management, Student Leader

Gangtok, IN.

About

A highly motivated postgraduate in Peace and Conflict Studies and Management with a strong academic and field-based focus on gender, women's rights, and Indigenous communities in Northeast India. Demonstrated leadership as the first woman President of the Sikkim University Students' Association, driving community engagement and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Proven expertise in qualitative research, fieldwork, and programme coordination, committed to advancing inclusive, gender-responsive, and community-centred development.

Work

Sikkim University (Dissertation Research)

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Qualitative Researcher

Gangtok, Sikkim, India

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Summary

Conducted extensive qualitative research and interviews in Sikkim, analyzing women's rights, representation, social status, and the gendered implications of the Certificate of Identification (COI) framework for dissertation.

Highlights

Executed in-depth qualitative research, conducting numerous interviews with women across Sikkim to gather critical data on women’s rights, representation, and social status.

Analyzed the complex gendered implications of the Certificate of Identification (COI) framework, specifically focusing on the impact of marriage between Sikkimese women and non-Sikkimese citizens.

Managed all aspects of field interaction, data documentation, and qualitative analysis, forming the core of a comprehensive postgraduate dissertation on regional women's issues.

Organisation of Musicians and Artistes of Sikkim (OMAS), Project Rhythem

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Brand Ambassador

Gangtok, Sikkim, India

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Summary

Serves as a Brand Ambassador for Project Rhythem, a music education initiative, driving outreach, awareness, and stakeholder engagement to expand creative opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Highlights

Contributed to outreach and awareness-building campaigns, significantly expanding public understanding and support for music education access for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Facilitated communication and promotional activities, successfully engaging government primary schools and local communities to increase program participation.

Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, leveraging partnerships to enhance the reach and impact of music education and creative opportunities for underserved youth.

Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA)

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President

Gangtok, Sikkim, India

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Summary

Led the Sikkim University Students’ Association as its first woman President, championing student representation, managing programs, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders for impactful community initiatives.

Highlights

Spearheaded student representation and advocacy, effectively coordinating with university authorities, government departments, NGOs, and civil society organizations to advance student and community interests.

Directed the planning and execution of numerous student and community-oriented initiatives, including a successful World Blood Donor Day drive, mobilizing over 100 volunteers and increasing community engagement.

Authored and presented official proposals and representations, influencing institutional communication and securing support for student welfare and development programs.

Organized and led educational visits and community service drives, such as the Kabi Lungchok heritage visit and a cleaning initiative at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, fostering cultural awareness and civic responsibility among students.

Sikkim University (Field Research)

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Field Researcher

Shillong, Meghalaya, India

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Summary

Performed field research and qualitative interviews in Meghalaya, investigating the Nokma system, matrilineal society, and customary governance with a focus on women's roles and experiences.

Highlights

Conducted targeted field research and qualitative interviews, gathering firsthand data on the Nokma system and matrilineal societal structures in Meghalaya.

Analyzed the experiences and positions of women within customary governance frameworks, providing critical insights into regional gender dynamics.

Documented findings to contribute to a deeper academic understanding of Indigenous community structures and women's issues in Northeast India.

Sikkim University (Field Research)

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Field Researcher

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

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Summary

Carried out field-based research in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on Indigenous communities, rural social structures, and the role of traditional village institutions like the Gaon Bura system in governance.

Highlights

Executed comprehensive field research on Indigenous communities and rural social structures across Arunachal Pradesh, collecting valuable ethnographic data.

Investigated the functions and societal impact of traditional village institutions, including the Gaon Bura system, on community governance and social organization.

Documented Indigenous practices and their influence on rural community development and social cohesion, contributing to regional socio-cultural analysis.

Wipro earthian

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Student Team Member (Sustainability Program)

Gangtok, Sikkim, India

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Summary

Participated as a student team member in the Wipro earthian sustainability program, contributing to projects focused on solid waste management and bioplastic creation.

Highlights

Collaborated effectively as a student team member on projects addressing solid waste management, contributing to innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.

Contributed to the research and development of bioplastic creation, demonstrating early engagement in applied environmental science.

Developed foundational experience in project-based learning, teamwork, and environmental sustainability principles through hands-on participation.

Volunteer

NSS Volunteer

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Sikkim University

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Actively participated in NSS community service, social awareness, and volunteer-based initiatives, contributing to community engagement and social development.

Highlights

Engaged in numerous community service activities and social awareness campaigns, directly supporting local communities and promoting civic participation.

Contributed to the successful execution of volunteer-based initiatives, enhancing teamwork and practical experience in social development efforts.

Participated in grassroots activities, gaining firsthand experience in addressing community needs and fostering social responsibility.

NSS Volunteer

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Sikkim Manipal University

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Participated in NSS community-service and social-development activities, gaining practical experience in grassroots community engagement at Upper Burtuk and Assam Lingey.

Highlights

Engaged in impactful grassroots community service and social-development activities at Upper Burtuk and Assam Lingey, directly benefiting local populations.

Developed practical skills in community engagement, teamwork, and volunteer-based social service through active participation in various initiatives.

Contributed to outreach and awareness programs, fostering social responsibility and community participation among students and local residents.

Education

Sikkim University

Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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M.A. Peace and Conflict Studies and Management Grade: CGPA 7.69

Courses

Gender Studies

Women's Rights

Feminist Perspectives

Indigenous Studies

Social Development

Qualitative Research

Conflict Resolution

Sikkim Manipal University

Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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B.A. (Hons.) Political Science Grade: CGPA 7.13

Courses

Political Theory

Public Policy

Governance

Social Justice

Government Senior Secondary School, Bojoghari, CBSE

Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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Class XII Secondary Education (Class XII) Grade: 66.2%

Laud Computer Centre, Sichey, Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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Certificate Course Computer Education

Courses

Fundamentals of Computer

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Internet

Attachments and Printing

Paljor Namgyal Girls’ Senior Secondary School, CBSE

Gangtok, Sikkim, India
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Class X Secondary Education (Class X) Grade: 62.4%

Languages

English

Nepali

Hindi

Skills

Leadership & Management

Leadership, Team Coordination, Programme Leadership, Programme Coordination, Community Mobilisation, Volunteer Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Event Management, Institutional Communication, Proposal Writing, Representation.

Research & Analysis

Qualitative Research, Fieldwork, Analytical Skills, Field Documentation, Data Analysis, Academic Research, Interviewing, Ethnographic Research.

Communication

Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Outreach, Awareness-Building, Promotion, Public Speaking.

Social Development & Advocacy

Gender & Women’s Rights, Feminist Perspectives, Indigenous Communities, Social Development, Community-Centred Development, Social Justice, Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Peace & Conflict Studies, Northeast India, Customary Governance, Rural Development, Public Policy, Governance, Sustainable Development, Inclusive Education, Environmental Sustainability, Civic Responsibility.

Technical Skills

Fundamentals of Computer, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Email Management, Printing.

Interests

Leadership & Youth Engagement

National Youth Parliament, Summit Sikkim, Seminar Participation, House Captain.

Community Service & Social Engagement

Blood Donation Drives, Heritage Visits, Cleaning Drives, NSS Activities.

Gender, Women & Northeast India

Women's Rights, Gender Equality, Feminist Perspectives, Women's Representation, Northeast India Studies, Customary Institutions.

Environment, Sustainability & Community Development

Solid Waste Management, Bioplastic Creation, Environmental Awareness, Sustainable Development.

Horticulture & Cultural Activities

Orchid Show-cum-Competition, Succulents, Cultural Heritage.